26K UFO vs 26K FRED vs 26K F-53

[Bagman57]

Well, if you didn't already know, Ford has come out with a 26,000 GVWR F-53 I think in order to one up the Workhorse W-24 & W-25.5. However, I looked at it from a different angle and compared the 26K rear gas/diesel UFO, to the 26K front diesel FRED, to the 26K front gas Ford F-53. The nod goes to the FRED for the total combined axle ratings. The FRED and the UFO tied witha 55 degree wheelcut, whereas Ford has a 50 degree cut. The FRED has the most wheel base options, followed by the UFO, and Ford only has two, a 228" and a 242". Fuel tank capacity(s) has the UFO in front with 100 gal, followed by the FRED with 80, and Ford with a 75 gal tank. Transmissions, FRED currently has the (5) speed Allison, UFO (6) speed Allison, and Ford the (5) speed TorqShift, so I give the nod to the UFO and if the new FRED 6.7 ISB Cummins has the Allison 2000 series (6) speed, then we have a tie between the UFO and the FRED. Once again, the Ford F-53 comes in 3rd. Last but not least is engines. I have to give the nod to the UFO because they offer (3) engines, currently only one, but down the road a 6.7 Cummins and a 6.4 Navistar diesel option. The FRED comes in 2nd. place with the 6.7 Cummins ISB, and Ford F-53 3rd. with their 6.8 V-10. After comparing all this data, my conclusion is that I would rate the UFO as my # 1 preference, the FRED as my # 2, preference, and here is where it get a little tricky, as my # 3 choice would be the W-25.5, and the the 26K F-53 in last place. I put the W-25.5 in front of the new 26K F-53 because of the 8.1 V-8 Vortec and the 6 speed Allison transmission. I think sooner or later, many of us will be interested in buying a MH on one of these three chassis and I think a carefull anaylsis of all the facts and specs is necessary before making a buying decision. What say you? Chuck/Bagman.

[Bagman57]

Well, if you didn't already know, Ford has come out with a 26,000 GVWR F-53 I think in order to one up the Workhorse W-24 & W-25.5. However, I looked at it from a different angle and compared the 26K rear gas/diesel UFO, to the 26K front diesel FRED, to the 26K front gas Ford F-53. The nod goes to the FRED for the total combined axle ratings. The FRED and the UFO tied witha 55 degree wheelcut, whereas Ford has a 50 degree cut. The FRED has the most wheel base options, followed by the UFO, and Ford only has two, a 228" and a 242". Fuel tank capacity(s) has the UFO in front with 100 gal, followed by the FRED with 80, and Ford with a 75 gal tank. Transmissions, FRED currently has the (5) speed Allison, UFO (6) speed Allison, and Ford the (5) speed TorqShift, so I give the nod to the UFO and if the new FRED 6.7 ISB Cummins has the Allison 2000 series (6) speed, then we have a tie between the UFO and the FRED. Once again, the Ford F-53 comes in 3rd. Last but not least is engines. I have to give the nod to the UFO because they offer (3) engines, currently only one, but down the road a 6.7 Cummins and a 6.4 Navistar diesel option. The FRED comes in 2nd. place with the 6.7 Cummins ISB, and Ford F-53 3rd. with their 6.8 V-10. After comparing all this data, my conclusion is that I would rate the UFO as my # 1 preference, the FRED as my # 2, preference, and here is where it get a little tricky, as my # 3 choice would be the W-25.5, and the the 26K F-53 in last place. I put the W-25.5 in front of the new 26K F-53 because of the 8.1 V-8 Vortec and the 6 speed Allison transmission. I think sooner or later, many of us will be interested in buying a MH on one of these three chassis and I think a carefull anaylsis of all the facts and specs is necessary before making a buying decision. What say you? Chuck/Bagman.

[edgray]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">What say you? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
CHUCK: Basically I agree with your comparisions, no big surprise as I am definately a UFO devotee. However, I think you missed one of the most important points that should also be compared = the RIDE. While all three are sprung chassis, only the UFO has the "torque box" (mounted to the chassis rails and attached to the rear axle) which does a remarkable job of drastically minimizing the side to side roll(sway). That feature alone is reason enough to buy a UFO based coach, and the MUCH QUIETER rear engine placement is the iceing on the cake, at least for me. ED

[Bagman57]

Ed, thanks for adding your comments to this thread. I didn't mention the ride factor because the only one I have test driven is the "FRED" at All American RV in Sylvania, Ohio. The Ford F-53 26K chassis is too new to test drive and I haven't had the opportunity to drive the Workhorse "UFO". You have much more knowledge about the "UFO" than me. All I know is what I am able to read. Best wishes, Chuck.

[wazone2]

OK, now let's talk price--What premium do you pay for the UFO in its various forms, FRED, and Workhorse over the Ford ?.

[RV 4 2]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by wazone2:
OK, now let's talk price--What premium do you pay for the UFO in its various forms, FRED, and Workhorse over the Ford ?. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
I am sure the Ford will be the cheapest. No Allison and no Diesel.
I am betting the Fred and or Diesel(Cummins or Navistar will probably be really close)UFO will be tops. And by my flawed calculator, I would bet a $12K+ premium. Heck, the diesel alone is a $6K+ bump in a pick up truck. I would think that with a 26K chassis, ford SHOULD be thinking of putting the Navistar on that chassis with a upgraded Torqueshift or even an Allison if then can get it to be competitive with the other chassis choices.

[Bagman57]

I don't see Ford putting the 6.4 Navistar TT diesel on their MH chassis, because they are not getting along very well. I think these two companies are headed for divorce! Bagman

[oemtech]

Although the UFO has some really nice features I see it going the way of the R chassis for the following reasons:

1) $$$ premium upgrade
2) Service - Service Centers
3) Parts - Parts availability
4) OEM std offering/floor plans

[max49]

One VERY important criteria is missing from the comparison, PRICE
I'm not wishing the UFO bad luck but I agree with oemtech. The rear engine gasser sounds like it could be nice; but WH needs to be not only innovative, but they better get efficient.
They need to be able to sell the gasser UFO about the same price as the Ford 26K or dealer are'nt going to order them.
Parts and service leaves a lot to be desired on the P-32, W22 and W-24, now they add the UFO.
If the UFO is priced 6 or 10K more than the Ford , lots of people will will opt for the more proven Ford. And certainly will if the dealer does'nt have any UFO's

[UFO Pilot]

Just got back home from our trip to San Diego. 1100 plus miles and performance was better that expected. 6.3 MPG and it went up the grapevine (I5) at 50 plus except when cutoff by some fool darting in and out of traffic. It would then drop down to 30 MPH or so. I could then slowly pick back up to the 50 MPH range.

I was very impressed with the overall handling, steering, braking, etc.

The major concern is the loss of 2 quarts of oil, most of it ending up on the toad. I have an appointment with the Workhorse repair facility for next week. We have a short list of minor problems that the dealer will fix this week.

The more we get used to the interior layout the more we like it. It is not the perfect lay out, I doubt that the perfect floor plan exists.

[FrontRangeRVer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by wthomas1:
Just got back home from our trip to San Diego. 1100 plus miles and performance was better that expected. 6.3 MPG </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I would hope that the UFO would have better mileage than this due to the lack of a long drivetrain........

[edgray]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">The Ford F-53 26K chassis is too new to test drive and I haven't had the opportunity to drive the Workhorse "UFO". </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
CHUCK: The 2008 F-53 products do not go into production until 11-07-2007, so it will likely be after the first of 2008 before dealer lots will have coaches to test drive or buy. In the meanwhile, you gotta drive a UFO to fully appreciate how stable it can be. ED

[Nonno]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">6.3 MPG </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Was this with or without the generator running?

[UFO Pilot]

I expect the mileage to improve after the motor is broken in. The drive up the grapevine and in Los Angeles traffic also affected the mileage. It was probably a good initial test but I hope for improvement.